







In English we use the present simple tense to talk about facts or things that are always true, as well as things in general. Present simple is also used to talk about a repeated action such as a habit, a hobby, a daily event, a scheduled event or something that often happens.
In English we use 'do' and 'does' as auxiliary verbs in negatives and questions and we often use the present simple with adverbs of frequency such as sometimes, always, often, never, usually, rarely, and hardly ever.
Notes for use of present simple :
In the third person, ‘s’ is added to the verb form. For example;
work --> works
run --> runs
live --> lives
For verbs that end in 'o', 'sh', 'ch', 's' and 'x', we add 'es' to the verb form. For example;
go --> goes
wish --> wishes
watch --> watches
kiss --> kisses
fax --> faxes
For verbs that end in a consonant + 'y', we change the 'y' to 'i' and add 'es'. For example;
try --> tries
study --> studies
The table below shows the different forms of present simple :
Example Verb : Work | I / You / We / They | He / She / It |
| Positive | ... work. | ... works. |
| Negative | ... don't work. | ... doesn't work. |
Questions | Do ... work? | Does ... work? |
| Short answers | Yes, ... do. / No, ... don't. | Yes, ... does. / No, ... doesn't. |
For the verb 'to be' we use 'am', 'is', 'are' in the present simple. No auxiliary verbs are used in negative sentences and questions.
Verb: Be | I | You / We / They | He / She / It |
| Positive | I'm ... | ... 're ... | ... 's ... |
| Negative | I'm not ... | ... aren't ... | ... isn't ... |
| Questions | Am I ... ? | Are ... ...? | Is ... ...? |
| Short answers | Yes, I am. / No, I'm not. | Yes, ... are. / No, ... aren't. | Yes, ... is. / No, ... isn't. |
Present Simple Example Sentences :
Positive Examples of Present Simple :
Negative Examples of Present Simple :
Question Examples of Present Simple :
| Present simple example sentences | |
|---|---|
| So I want to cook as much as I can now. | |
| My landlords are a gay couple. | |
| Cate, are you okay? You seem a little bit aggressive. | |
| I hope it’s not serious. | |
| But their room is almost double the size of our room! | |
| I don't believe you! What's the difference today? | |
| No, but that's what I feel like having... | |
| I'm really amazed by the structure of this station. | |
| I don't have time to cook everyday. | |
| Is it hay fever? I've got some pills for it! | |
| Do you have any brothers or sisters? | |
| How dare he... He is so stupid!!! | |
| Aren't there four of us dear? | |
| Erm... You look about 30? | |
| Sorry, they don't serve chips here... | |
| I hope you are aware it's your last 3 days to find a house... | |
| Is that okay for you? | |
| Last night we were open till very late, and you know her excuse. | |
| No, because she is mental and can harm Pogo or Bear! | |
| Hello madam, are you still on the line? | |